1315. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of consultants who work with patients on a scheme (details supplied); how many patients on that scheme they have under their care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48567/23]

Stephen Donnelly, Minister for Health: In line with the Chief Medical Officer's advice, the granting of a licence for cannabis-based products for medical purposes must be premised on an appropriate application being submitted to the Department of Health, which is endorsed by a consultant who is responsible for the management of the patient and who is prepared to monitor the effects of the treatment over time.

334 Ministerial Licences have issued to date pursuant to Section 14 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.

Ministerial Licences have issued to 35 clinicians for the treatment of 77 different patients since the programme began in December 2016.

Currently there are 16 clinicians treating 31 patients under the Ministerial Licence programme.